Workplace performance reviews are simply a waste of time and resources. They are often done on an annual basis and sometimes also referred to as performance appraisals. These employee reviews are many times the basis for advancement or a salary increase. Many companies like to describe them as something good for both the employee and employer. However, performance reviews are typically not any good at truly improving employee performance.

This podcast episode looks at the real reasons companies like to use performance reviews and why many employers still choose the archaic method of evaluating their employees.

It can be tempting to reward yourself with a new car or a lavish vacation after landing your first professional job. Maybe you just graduated from college or finished a trade school and are now making a good wage for the first time. The first thing you should be saving your money for is not a shiny new vehicle or a European vacation.

This podcast episode looks at the importance of planning financially when someone gets their first job.

Saving for retirement is one of the most important financial goals for everyone. If you are not going to be on the receiving end of a large trust fund or are not already wealthy, saving for retirement should be at the top of the list as a financial goal. Having concerns about retirement is something a number of people have. As we age there can be growing anxiety if there will be plenty of money available to live comfortably to the end of life.

Retirement years should be a time that is enjoyed. Yet, a large part of society does not plan properly for retirement income. Planning for a comfortable retirement is not an option to delay. Why is it so important to plan for the years when our working life ends?

This podcast episode looks at why it is more important than ever to plan for retirement.

A credit score or otherwise known as a FICO score is a range that tells lenders how good you may be with borrowing money. Many lenders use this score when you apply for a mortgage or auto loan. Not having a credit score can hinder the ability to borrow money. But do you really need one?

This podcast looks at why most people need credit and why a FICO score is important.

With today’s technology and an increasing number of companies competing globally, it only makes sense to offer remote work to employees. Yet, a majority of businesses small and large are still resisting the opportunity to offer employees the chance to work outside of a traditional office entirely or a percentage of the time. Moreover, some corporations that previously allowed remote workers are now calling them back to work in a physical office.

This podcast looks at the true reason many employers still do not want workers away from the office.

With all of the issues in the workplace today it is not surprising that according to a Gallup poll 70% of people dislike their job. This does not come as a surprise with employers decreasingly treating workers fairly, paying a good wage, and providing a quality work environment.

Toxic work environments today seem to be growing with the push for the new business model of more with less to increase the bottom line on the balance sheet. People are working for more employers that consistently put profits above their employees. This is leaving many workers with a struggle to find a work-life balance. The result is stress and a work environment that could quite possibly be toxic.

This podcast looks at 10 toxic workplace signs. If all 10 of these things are on the list of the employer you work for, it might be time to look for another job. A toxic work environment can hurt your health and well-being.

Debt collectors make phone calls every day to collect money that may or may not be owed. It is not uncommon for a person to have one of these collectors contact them at least once in a lifetime. It is estimated that 71 million U.S. adults have debt in collections. Having debt in collections does not make a person bad or irresponsible. It is just something that can either happen by chance or by error.

This podcast looks at what you should do if you receive a phone call from a debt collector.

Making investment decisions for retirement or opening a brokerage account to put your money to work can seem complicated. Getting advice from a professional financial advisor can be advantageous in the right setting, but it isn’t something everyone needs. The truth is that for most people the reasons to not have one will outweigh the thought of considering it.

This podcast looks at five reasons why everyone does not need a financial advisor.

There are not a lot of things made in America any longer. It seems America has lost its way at some point to put profits above people. Many consumer items are cheap to buy, but are people really saving money?

This podcast looks at how the quality of consumer items in America has declined over the years. Big discount retailers are importing most everything they sell to offer things cheaply and increase shareholder profits. The result is Americans are spending more money to continually buy disposable items. Are Americans being trained to buy throw away goods and spend more money compared to buying quality?

Theme parks seem to be more about the money than the magic these days. The price of tickets and vacationing at popular parks around the country and world have been rising faster than inflation for decades. The rising costs are preventing many middle-income families from being able to afford a vacation at their favorite park destination.